Westminster: Congratulations Barbara Kentish!

l-r: Fr Joe Ryan, Barbara Kentish, Bishop Nicholas Hudson

Bishop Nicholas Hudson joined representatives from many Catholic organisations and parishes for a celebration at St John Vianney's Church Church in West Green, north London, last night, to thank Barbara Kentish for ten years co-ordinating the work of Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace.

During that time Barbara has helped organise numerous campaigns and events across the diocese, from local parish projects to national and international events. Last autumn, together with Fr Joe Ryan, she co-ordinated and took part in the marathon cycle ride to Paris for the COP Climate Talks. Recently they have visited the refugee camp near Calais.

There was an exhibition of posters and photographs in the hall showing the recent projects of Westminster J&P. Bishop Nicholas and Fr Joe led short prayers and reflections from Evangellii Gaudium and Laudato Si' on the critical J&P issues of today: war, poverty and climate change.

Bishop Nicholas said it seemed very apt to be there, as earlier in the day he had attended a symposium on Becket at Lambeth Palace, where Cardinal Nichols had spoken of the need for increased dialogue between the government and faith communities (See: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=30163 )

"Justice and peace must be a priority, not an option" Bishop Nicholas said, quoting Pope Francis who said recently: "To ignore the poor is to insult God".

Westminster is currently carrying out a discernment process into the future of justice and peace work across the diocese. Bishop Nicholas said Barbara has offered some very helpful and detailed insights.

After a number of tributes from those present - and a song - the party continued with a delicious meal.

Among those taking part on the night, were parishes from across the diocese, from central London to Hertfordshire - as well as representatives from CAFOD, Pax Christi, Jesuit Refugee Services, Catholic Association for Racial Justice, London Catholic Worker and the Columbans.

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